Abby Gnanachelvan had high hopes for the year 2023, envisioning it as the best year of her life. However, a persistent pain in her back started gnawing at her, intensifying with each passing day. Seeking medical advice, she turned to doctors who attributed the discomfort to the normal aftermath of giving birth to her daughter, Ariya. Regrettably, Abby soon discovered that her symptoms were far from mere “baby blues.” Tragically, she was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, leaving her with a mere five months to live. Instead of succumbing to grief, Abby bravely faces the reality of her impending end, cherishing every precious moment with her adored family and doing her best to cling to life.
But how did Abby’s cancer remain undetected for so long? Could the doctors have taken any preventive measures? And why is this otherwise healthy 29-year-old mother battling a type of cancer that typically afflicts unhealthy men in their sixties?
It was back in January when Abby received the devastating news of her pancreatic cancer diagnosis, with a prognosis of just five months left to live. Having surpassed that milestone, she continues her daily battle against the relentless disease, fighting tooth and nail to extend her time so she can witness her daughter grow up.
During a conversation with FEMAIL, the courageous 29-year-old dentist shared her longing to witness the monumental milestones in her family’s lives and to savor every precious moment with her daughter. She expressed, “I have always envisioned a close bond, just like the one I had with my mother, experiencing her first day of school and celebrating her 21st birthday. There’s nothing I cherish more than holding her, but at the moment, even that simple joy eludes me.”
Abby’s journey, like that of many cancer patients, began with a dismissive doctor who brushed aside her health concerns without a thorough examination. Recounting her experience, she revealed that she had started experiencing back pain while going to the gym in November. Despite trying various remedies, her condition failed to improve.
“In December, I went to the doctor for the first time, and they dismissed it as post-natal depression, advising me to rely on my support network,” she recounted, frustrated with the misdiagnosis. “I was elated, genuinely happy. I was back at work for a couple of afternoons each week, thoroughly enjoying motherhood. I thought, ‘I’m on cloud nine, I’m just dealing with pain.'”
Abby continued, “I was also eagerly looking forward to 2023 because many of my friends were getting married, engaged, and planning to start families. I wanted to be there for them, celebrating their victories.”
Persisting in her pursuit of answers, Abby insisted on a blood test, and the results were swift and shattering.
“The doctor informed me that it had spread to my spine and lungs, giving me a life expectancy of five months, with no possibility of surgical intervention,” she recalled in disbelief. “I thought, ‘Five months to live? But I just ran five kilometers, and I feel fine. It’s just a sore back.'”
Now, Abby finds herself grappling to cling to life for the sake of her beloved family. We extend our heartfelt wishes for her well-being and strength.
“To be told you have cancer but that it was detected too late is utterly heart-wrenching. At 29 years old, I am typically an optimistic person, but this is profoundly unfair.”
